On CCTV: brutal beating by gay hate thugs

Detectives are hunting a gang who left a man unconscious in the street after a homophobic attack.

Police released CCTV images showing the assault on two men walking home in Charing Cross Road after a night out.

The couple, aged 25 and 22, were heading towards Tottenham Court Road at 1.30am on August 9. As they passed a kebab shop opposite Superdrug, four men attacked the 22-year-old from behind, hitting him over the head. His partner tried to defend him but was punched in the face by one yob, who shouted homophobic abuse.

The thugs ran off, leaving the 22-year-old lying in the road. The couple were treated in hospital.